Intercalated cell function, kidney innate immunity, and urinary tract infections.

Intercalated cells (ICs) in the kidney collecting duct have a versatile role in acid-base and electrolyte regulation along with the host immune defense. Located in the terminal kidney tubule segment, ICs are among the first kidney cells to encounter bacteria when bacteria ascend from the bladder into the kidney. ICs have developed several mechanisms to combat bacterial infections of the kidneys. For example, ICs produce antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which have direct bactericidal activity, and in many cases are upregulated in response to infections. Some AMP genes with IC-specific kidney expression are multiallelic, and having more copies of the gene confers increased resistance to bacterial infections of the kidney and urinary tract. Similarly, studies in human children demonstrate that those with history of UTIs are more likely to have single-nucleotide polymorphisms in IC-expressed AMP genes that impair the AMP's bactericidal activity. In murine models, depleted or impaired ICs result in decreased clearance of bacterial load following transurethral challenge with uropathogenic E. coli. A 2021 study demonstrated that ICs even act as phagocytes and acidify bacteria within phagolysosomes. Several immune signaling pathways have been identified in ICs which may represent future therapeutic targets in managing kidney infections or inflammation. This review's objective is to highlight IC structure and function with an emphasis on current knowledge of IC's diverse innate immune capabilities.

Allopurinol use leading to xanthine nephrolithiasis in pediatric tumor lysis syndrome: a case series.

Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is a life-threatening metabolic disorder caused by massive tumor lysis. Allopurinol, a xanthine oxidase inhibitor, is initiated during chemotherapy to prevent hyperuricemia and subsequent acute kidney injury (AKI). We report two cases of xanthine nephrolithiasis during TLS in newly diagnosed hematologic malignancy patients receiving prophylactic allopurinol. Allopurinol use likely promoted xanthine crystallization, stone formation, and AKI.

Cluster analysis of nasal cytokines during rhinovirus infection identifies different immunophenotypes in both children and adults with allergic asthma.

BACKGROUND: Infection with rhinovirus (RV) is a major risk factor for disease exacerbations in patients with allergic asthma. This study analysed a broad set of cytokines in the noses of children and adults with asthma during RV infection in order to identify immunophenotypes that may link to virus-induced episodes. METHODS: Nasal wash specimens were analysed in children (n = 279 [healthy, n = 125; stable asthma, n = 64; wheeze, n = 90], ages 2-12) who presented to a hospital emergency department, and in adults (n = 44 [healthy, n = 13; asthma, n = 31], ages 18-38) who were experimentally infected with RV, including a subset who received anti-IgE. Cytokines were measured by multiplex bead assay and data analysed by univariate and multivariate methods to test relationships to viral load, allergic status, airway inflammation, and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: Analysis of a core set of 7 cytokines (IL-6, CXCL8/IL-8, IL-15, EGF, G-CSF, CXCL10/IP-10 and CCL22/MDC) revealed higher levels in children with acute wheeze versus those with stable asthma or controls. Multivariate analysis identified two clusters that were enriched for acutely wheezing children; one displaying high viral load ("RV-high") with robust secretion of CXCL10, and the other displaying high IgE with elevated EGF, CXCL8 and both eosinophil- and neutrophil-derived mediators. Broader assessment of 39 cytokines confirmed that children with acute wheeze were not deficient in type 1 anti-viral responses. Analysis of 18 nasal cytokines in adults with asthma who received RV challenge identified two clusters; one that was "RV-high" and linked to robust induction of anti-viral cytokines and anti-IgE; and the other associated with more severe symptoms and a higher inflammatory state featuring eosinophil and neutrophil factors. CONCLUSIONS: The results confirm the presence of different immunophenotypes linked to parameters of airway disease in both children and adults with asthma who are infected with RV. Such discrepancies may reflect the ability to regulate anti-viral responses.

Scoping Review of Textbooks for Medical Spanish Education.

Despite medical Spanish program proliferation to teach clinicians the language skills to communicate effectively with Spanish-speaking patients, course material selection remains a challenge. We conducted a scoping review to systematically identify medical Spanish textbooks, evaluate utility, and identify gaps. On average, language reviewers scored books lower than medical reviewers. Medical and language professionals present complementary perspectives to evaluating medical Spanish educational materials. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40670-021-01333-8.

Traumatic Avulsion of the Serratus Anterior Muscle in a Collegiate Rower: A Case Report.

A 19-year-old female collegiate rower presented with a new, painful mass along her right anterolateral chest wall after competition. The patient was diagnosed with a rupture of the serratus anterior muscle from its costal attachments, as confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging. The patient fully recovered after a period of rest followed by a graduated 2-month physical therapy regimen consisting of stretching and scapulothoracic and core strengthening. A traumatic rupture of the serratus anterior muscle should be suspected in athletes who present with a painful chest wall mass after exertion of large forces through the scapulothoracic region. Athletes can return to play after nonoperative management.

Operative Fixation of an Anterior Inferior Iliac Spine Apophyseal Avulsion Fracture Nonunion in an Adolescent Soccer Player: A Case Report.

CASE: A 14-year-old male competitive soccer player presented with a history of recurrent right hip pain for 18 months. He was diagnosed with an anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS) apophyseal avulsion fracture nonunion with subspinal impingement, which was confirmed by radiographs, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. The patient underwent surgical fixation and subspinal decompression. He returned to competitive soccer 5 months postoperatively. CONCLUSION: AIIS apophyseal avulsion fractures occur in adolescent athletes and generally respond to nonoperative treatment. When such management is unsuccessful, surgical fixation can lead to resolution of pain with return of full function.